Free goodies for all

Who doesn’t love gifts? Receiving gifts is always exciting, be it for some special occasion like birthdays, anniversaries or farewell gift. Well, things were not any different in Indonesia during their Independence Day Celebrations. Unlike Kenya where the president delivers a speech accompanied by government officials and military forces during national holidays, Indonesia decided to celebrate the day in the most unique way; reward its patriotic citizens! However, the process of “receiving” the gifts does not come wrapped in a box, as those who wish to receive the goodies have to take part in a pole climbing competition. The poles are covered with grease and prizes perched on top hence teamwork is required to get the luxury items like televisions, cookers, bicycles or even brooms and dustpans! However, one mustn’t get too excited as the poles lean over a pool of water and a muddy field.
(Text & photos: Xinhua)

Who doesn’t love gifts? Receiving gifts is always exciting, be it for some special occasion like birthdays, anniversaries or farewell gift. Well, things were not any different in Indonesia during their Independence Day Celebrations. Unlike Kenya where the president delivers a speech accompanied by government officials and military forces during national holidays, Indonesia decided to celebrate the day in the most unique way; reward its patriotic citizens! However, the process of “receiving” the gifts does not come wrapped in a box, as those who wish to receive the goodies have to take part in a pole climbing competition. The poles are covered with grease and prizes perched on top hence teamwork is required to get the luxury items like televisions, cookers, bicycles or even brooms and dustpans! However, one mustn’t get too excited as the poles lean over a pool of water and a muddy field.(Text & photos: Xinhua)(160817) — JAKARTA, Aug. 17, 2016 (Xinhua) — People climb slippery poles during celebrations of the 71th Indonesian Independence Day at Senayan in Jakarta, Indonesia, Aug. 17, 2016. Every year people around Jakarta city climb some 350 slippery poles and try to get prizes on the top of the poles to celebrate the Indonesian Independence Day. (Xinhua/Veri Sanovri)****Authorized by ytfs****(160817) — JAKARTA, Aug. 17, 2016 (Xinhua) — A man reacts while his team member steps on his shoulder during slippery pole climbing to celebrate the 71th Indonesian Independence Day at Senayan in Jakarta, Indonesia, Aug. 17, 2016. Every year people around Jakarta city climb some 350 slippery poles and try to get prizes on the top of the poles to celebrate the Indonesian Independence Day. (Xinhua/Veri Sanovri)****Authorized by ytfs****(160817) — JAKARTA, Aug. 17, 2016 (Xinhua) — People climb slippery poles during celebrations of the 71th Indonesian Independence Day at Senayan in Jakarta, Indonesia, Aug. 17, 2016. Every year people around Jakarta city climb some 350 slippery poles and try to get prizes on the top of the poles to celebrate the Indonesian Independence Day. (Xinhua/Veri Sanovri)****Authorized by ytfs****(160817) — JAKARTA, Aug. 17, 2016 (Xinhua) — People climb slippery poles during celebrations of the 71th Indonesian Independence Day at Senayan in Jakarta, Indonesia, Aug. 17, 2016. Every year people around Jakarta city climb some 350 slippery poles and try to get prizes on the top of the poles to celebrate the Indonesian Independence Day. (Xinhua/Veri Sanovri)****Authorized by ytfs****(160817) — YOGYAKARTA, Aug. 17, 2016 (Xinhua) — People participate in a national flag raising ceremony on a river to celebrate Indonesia’s 71th Independence Day in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Aug. 17, 2016. Indonesian people participate in various traditional activities every year to celebrate the Independence Day. (Xinhua/Oka Hamied)****Authorized by ytfs****(160817) — JAKARTA, Aug. 17, 2016 (Xinhua) — Indonesian men climb greased poles during celebrations of the 71st Indonesian Independence Day on the Ancol beach in Jakarta, Indonesia, Aug. 17, 2016. Every year people around Jakarta city climb hundreds of poles, trying to get prizes on the top of the poles to celebrate the Indonesian Independence Day. (Xinhua/Zulkarnain)****Authorized by ytfs****(160817) — ACEH, Aug. 17, 2016 (Xinhua) — People participate in the pillow fight on a river to celebrate Indonesia’s 71th Independence Day in Aceh, Indonesia, Aug. 17, 2016. Indonesian people participate in various traditional activities every year to celebrate the Independence Day. (Xinhua/Junaidi)****Authorized by ytfs****(160817) — JAKARTA, Aug. 17, 2016 (Xinhua) — Indonesian men climb greased poles during celebrations of the 71st Indonesian Independence Day on the Ancol beach in Jakarta, Indonesia, Aug. 17, 2016. Every year people around Jakarta city climb hundreds of poles, trying to get prizes on the top of the poles to celebrate the Indonesian Independence Day. (Xinhua/Zulkarnain)****Authorized by ytfs****